In this type of architecture, the charging inlet control system is a standalone module placed near the EV inlet. The architecture is outside the OBC combo, independent of the DCDC and host subsystems. This architecture communicates between the vehicle and the public charging piles, to collect charging signals from charging piles and implement the necessary protocols. The charging signals are first parsed or converted by this independent module before being transmitted to other subsystems (OBC, BMS, or VCU).

The standalone module is usually applied in European (EU) and North American (NA) markets. The main work of this module is to wake up the OBC and implement protocol conversion. The module also covers various functions required by customized requirements: charging lock detection, LED indicators, contactor control, voltage and temperature detection, and more, as demonstrated in the BMW LIM module (see reference [1] in the References section and the Mercedes Benz CIC module). The charging inlet control system in Chinese markets has fewer functions compared to the EU and NA markets. For EVs that require exportation from China, adding an independent module to the OBC is possible, commonly referred to as an EVCC.

This standalone architecture provides significant flexibility and high compatibility. The architecture is easy to maintain, replace, and adapt to the requirements of different regions.